The Troubles

"The Troubles " the story is set in Belfast and the North East in 1969. Seamus Webster and his family flee the riots in Belfast and come to live on Barnstaple Road in North Shields - where he takes up work as a crane driver in Smith's Docks his wife Annie finds a job in the Co-op in Whitley Bay - Seamus is good at DIY and gets lots of work decorating or fitting out new kitchens for people. His father Michael is serving a very long sentence when he is implicated in abombing of an army base- his skills as a bomb maker have been passed down to his oldest son and Stephen Mcgill is on the look -out for him as a bombing campaign has begun on mainland Britain. Newcastle has been chosen as the target - can Seamus avoid getting mixed up in this. Read what happens in this tense thriller.

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The young girl made polite conversation as she served him with five pints of the “Black Stuff” as it was better known in Ireland. He paid for them then brought them over on a tray.

“Here get that down you; it will put hairs on your chest said Stephen to Liam as he handed the drinks to everyone. Steadily the bar began to fill with football fans and the noise level increased as they sang “The Blaydon Races” Stephen told them that they would go over to Eldon Square after they had finished.

A bead of sweat had already formed on Shamus’s forehead and he wiped it away with a clean handkerchief that he had in his pocket. Liam was also nervous; he wished he’d brought the sawn off shot gun with him. The chances were he’d be searched at the ground and if they found it he would be arrested. He wore his Harrington Jacket and his patchwork jumper to keep warm but like his father he was sweating. He could feel it running down his back. It made him feel uncomfortable and he was drinking the Guinness faster than he would normally drink.

“Look at this bugger said Stephen; a hardened drinker already Seamus.’

Seamus half smiled back at Stephen then sipped on his pint.

“Who’s for another then?’

“Go on then I’ll have one said Michael O’Leary.’

“Right then go get them in then said Stephen with a laugh.’

Michael’s face twisted up as he went to the bar and forced his way through the crowd.

“It was now eight deep inside the bar and the three barmaids were working frantically to serve everyone. They were all experienced and learned how to pace themselves. It would be non stop from now until at least seven o’clock that evening.

Michael waited until he found a gap and then pushed to the front and caught the attention of the little red headed girl who he found out was called Marion.’

“Five pints of Guinness love he said in his Irish twang.’

“So what brings an Irishman down here?’

“My friends are from here and they are going to watch the match so we are going with them.’

“I see so you are with the Newcastle fans then.’ Well I hope so or we will be lynched.’

Marion smiled at the tall stocky Irishman.’ So are you only here for the match or are you staying a few days?’

“Well I could be persuaded to stay Marion if you asked me he smiled back showing a set of white teeth.’ They weren’t perfect but blended themselves in to his rugged looking features.

“Well I get off at seven tonight if you fancy taking me out she said as she topped up each glass and set them down neatly on the tray.’

“Well I will be around later then.’

“Come on Pet we’re gagging for a pint over here shouted a group of supporters.’

“I have to go but I will see you tonight.’ What’s your name anyway?’

“Michael.’

“Alright then Michael she said as she handed him his change and his hand covered hers as he took the change. Michael eased his way through the crowd there was at least sixty people in the little pub now and more of them had to go into the snug end so that they could be served. There was another fifty or so in there.’

Michael set the tray down then handed the drinks around.’

“It looked as if you were getting on well with the young colleen behind the bar.’